EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – The Vikings made a serious youth movement, keeping eight of their 10 draft picks and two undrafted rookies.

The team is much younger on special teams, offensive line and tight end, a key position in new coordinator Bill Musrave’s offense. Released were long-time blue-collar special teams staples Jeff Dugan, a 30-year-old tight end, and Heath Farwell, a 29-year-old linebacker who made the Pro Bowl for special teams two years ago. Dugan’s release opened the door for undrafted free agent Allen Reisner to make the team. The Vikings kept four tight ends, including rookies Reisner and Kyle Rudolph, a second-round draft pick.

The Vikings kept TE Allen Reisner, one of four on the roster, to play the position and possibly special teams. (AP photo)

… There is an alarming lack of depth at linebacker, not to mention the fact Erin Henderson won the WLB job without competition or having ever started a game in the NFL. Backup MLB Jasper Brinkley had hip surgery and was placed on injured reserve. Without him, the only backup behind E.J. Henderson is David Herron, who has been with the team for only a week. So don’t be surprised if the Vikings sign another linebacker after combing the waiver wire.

Notes: The Vikings released both fullbacks on the roster. They’ll either look for outside help or ask tight end Jim Kleinsasser to handle fullback duties when needed. … Two surprises came on the offensive line, where the Vikings kept two sixth-round draft picks, T DeMarcus Love and C-G Brandon Fusco, and dispatched versatile veterans Chris DeGeare and Ryan Cook, the team’s second-round pick in 2006. … Marcus Sherels, a second-year pro with one NFL game on his resume, made the team as a backup corner and the No. 1 punt returner. … The Vikings get a two-week roster exemption on DT Kevin Williams, who was suspended for two games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substanced. ... The biggest underdog on the roster, LB Larry Dean of Division II Valdosta State, made the team in Farwell’s place.